Cedar Rapids Food Guide: 10 Must-Eat Restaurants & Street Food Stalls in Cedar Rapids

April 14, 2018 Myesha Cogley

Cedar Rapids /ˈsiːdər ˈræpɪdz/ is the second-largest city in Iowa and is the county seat of Linn County. The city lies on both banks of the Cedar River, 20 miles (32 km) north of Iowa City and 100 miles (160 km) northeast of Des Moines, the state's capital and largest city. It is a part of the Cedar Rapids/Iowa City Corridor of Linn, Benton, Cedar, Jones, Johnson, and Washington counties.
Things to do in Cedar Rapids

1. Village Meat Market & Cafe

92 16th Ave SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404-5945 Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Free Off-Street Parking, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Wine and Beer, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Free Wifi American, European, Czech Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch SGD 9 - SGD 16 +1 319-265-6328
Excellent
76%
Good
17%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 188 reviews

Village Meat Market & Cafe

We are 1/2 authentic meat market specializing in smoked meats and Czech sausages. Cold cuts and cheeses also. 1/2 cafe'. We have live Music on Saturday and Sunday Mornings. Everything we s=do here is from scratch. All of our meats are featured in menu items in our cafe' Czech and Cajun influence.

Reviewed By Lsutgrs - Olive Branch, Mississippi

Fast, friendly service. I got the Cajun Ruben with baked beans and it was the best I’ve ever had. The meat was nice and tender and the beans were outstanding and I’m not a big fan of beans but I’d eat a big bowl of...MoreGulfport Mississippi up until Katrina. Glad my homies from Olive Branch made it!

2. Need Pizzeria

207 2nd Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401-1238 Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar American, Bar, Pizza, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner SGD 9 - SGD 26 +1 319-362-6333
Excellent
61%
Good
30%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 150 reviews

Need Pizzeria

Reviewed By Richard R - Lancaster, California

I had a few folks suggest Need Pizza. Although the staff is friendly and helpful, the pizza was underwhelming. I've written over 175 reviews. I'm not trying to bash the place, I just want first-timers to know that the pizza is average at best. The night before we had dinner at Little Bohemia less than a mile away. I had the pork loin sandwich. It was incredible.

3. The Class Act Restaurant

7725 Kirkwood Blvd SW, Cedar Rapids, IA 52404-5231 Reservations, Private Dining, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi American, Contemporary, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options, Vegan Options Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Brunch SGD 20 - SGD 39 +1 319-848-8777
Excellent
61%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 188 reviews

The Class Act Restaurant

The Class Act Restaurant, located within The Hotel at Kirkwood Center, is eastern Iowa's newest and tastiest gourmet restaurant. Just minutes from popular attractions in downtown Cedar Rapids and Iowa City, The Class Act Restaurant provides great food and outstanding service in a hip, yet friendly and comfortable environment unlike any other in Cedar Rapids. In addition to offering an outstanding menu featuring the very best locally-grown produce and select fare from around the country, The Class Act also serves as a real-time, real-world teaching environment for Kirkwood's groundbreaking Culinary Arts program. Our menus are designed differently, far more creatively, in response to our teaching responsibility, and to provide the dining experience you and your family and friends expect. The Class Act offers the premier spot in Cedar Rapids whether you're looking to celebrate with friends and family, invite your clients for a great meal while in town, or just enjoy a romantic evening for two. From haute cuisine to home cookin', The Class Act offers dishes designed for just about any appetite - and just about any budget. Whether you seek light bites such as our gourmet small plates, savor culinary delights like the Iowa-cut pork chop or seasonal risotto, or simply prefer to dig into the juicy, farm-fresh flavors of the signature Class Act Burger, our seasonal breakfast, lunch, weekend brunch, and dinner menus offer something to suit your tastes. Or stop in and enjoy one of the tasty cocktails or wines from the restaurant's bar and extensive wine cellar. And don't miss the sweet delights our award-winning dessert menu to provide the perfect finish to your day. You have very high expectations for what is prepared here. And rightly so. Enjoy amazing gourmet food, unmatched service and a surprisingly agreeable check. Together with our breathtaking decor and quiet ambience, we've created a flawless experience that is truly a Class Act.

Reviewed By titlewaive2013 - Des Moines, Iowa

Food has always been excellent. Would like to see some changes in menu again. Service is becoming issue as no longer can count on lunch taking an hour. Waiter/Waitresses too slow in taking orders and getting food up, and getting check can be significant delay; even after telling waitress we needed to get going.

4. Biaggi's Ristorante Italiano

320 Collins Rd NE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402-3119 Takeout, Reservations, Private Dining, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi Italian, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night SGD 20 - SGD 26 +1 319-393-6593
Excellent
56%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 416 reviews

Biaggi's Ristorante Italiano

Reviewed By Ron H - Okawville, Illinois

We dined here on our anniversary and were very impressed with the variety of menu items, appetizers and desserts. Additionally they had a very nice wine list. Our server was attentive, but not over-bearing. We ordered the crab and lobster dip appetizer, which was plenty for two. My wife had the eggplant parmesan and I had the walleye alforno. Both were prepared perfectly and the quantities large. Although we ate early and the restaurant wasn't crowded yet, it was a little noisy, since there was a bar area adjacent to the dining area. It took away from the atmosphere for a more intimate dinner. We were a little disappointed that they did not help celebrate our anniversary by offering a dessert as many establishments do, but I would eat there again, and recommend signing up on their web site to receive frequent coupons, specials and offers. I rate them an A and a good recommendation.

5. Emil's Hideaway

222 Glenbrook Dr SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52403-1028 Takeout, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar American, Bar, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner +1 319-743-3123
Excellent
52%
Good
37%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 253 reviews

Emil's Hideaway

Reviewed By Dan S - Onalaska, Wisconsin

What a surprise found in CR. This is a great spot, a little tucked away which is perfect and very well lit and hospitable staff. My wife and i had a very very good meal. She had a wrap that was excellent and I had the BBQ pork sandwich which was large and extremely good. Nice smokey and tender tasting.
All around wonderful experience and we will make a point to be back.

6. Zeppelins

5300 Edgewood Rd NE Ste 500, Cedar Rapids, IA 52411-4719 Takeout, Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Television, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Highchairs Available American, Bar, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Late Night +1 319-393-3047
Excellent
54%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 267 reviews

Zeppelins

Reviewed By Chris L

We had filet and pistachio crusted salmon which were quite delicious as were the appetizers we tried especially the Parmesan fries, however we had to beg to order and to get our check-she brought drinks occasionally but definitely nothing consistently. So if you have lots of time and don’t mind drinking slowly so you don’t run out the food is worth it!!

7. White Star Ale House

305 2nd Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401-1207 Takeout, Reservations, Private Dining, Seating, Waitstaff, Television, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar American, Bar, Vegetarian Friendly, Gluten Free Options Dinner, Late Night, Drinks 319-362-2000
Excellent
43%
Good
38%
Satisfactory
12%
Poor
4%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 292 reviews

White Star Ale House

Reviewed By Michael V - Maquoketa, Iowa

I was pleased with the Art Deco feel of this place, very fair prices for great food! Young staff was very good, and even some great pre 6pm Martini specials!

8. Granite City Food & Brewery

4755 1st Ave SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52402-3211 Takeout, Reservations, Outdoor Seating, Seating, Waitstaff, Parking Available, Television, Highchairs Available, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar, Free Wifi Steakhouse, Seafood, Grill, American, Brew Pub, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Lunch, Dinner, Brunch, Late Night SGD 8 - SGD 42 +1 319-395-7500
Excellent
38%
Good
43%
Satisfactory
14%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4 based on 352 reviews

Granite City Food & Brewery

Granite City Food & Brewery is a polished casual American restaurant with an on-site brewery featuring fresh, high-quality menu items prepared from made-from-scratch recipes. Signature dishes include our Meatloaf, Big Show Burger, Maple Bacon Flatbread, Mahi Tacos as well as burgers, sandwiches, salads and steaks.

Reviewed By Kevin K - Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Happy hour flat bread pizza and other foods (loaded potato-skins) are a great deal! We really like the stone wall-interiors. Sunday brunch made-to-order omelletes or eggs benedict are tasty. Micro beers are good too. If you are a Granite City Club member, you get points, email offers, larger beer sizes for the money, and free birthday meal.

9. Cobble Hill

219 2nd St SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401-1405 Reservations, Seating, Waitstaff, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Full Bar American, Vegetarian Friendly, Vegan Options, Gluten Free Options Dinner +1 319-366-3177
Excellent
70%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
9%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 127 reviews

Cobble Hill

Reviewed By ghvp - MN

I have eaten at Cobble Hill every time I visit Cedar Rapids for a Horse Show in September. Of all the places I have eaten in Cedar Rapids this is by far the best and consistently great. They have a solid, creative take on their dishes, a great cocktail menu and good wines by the glass. I had the skate wing and it was so good! Folks at my table had the Flat iron Steak and Pork Belly. Everyone was very happy with their meal.

10. The Lost Cuban

209 3rd St SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401-1501 Waitstaff, Takeout, Seating, Street Parking, Wheelchair Accessible, Serves Alcohol, Accepts Mastercard, Accepts Visa, Delivery, Highchairs Available, Full Bar Cuban, Vegetarian Friendly Lunch, Dinner SGD 10 - SGD 20 +1 319-362-2627
Excellent
53%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 159 reviews

The Lost Cuban

Straight from abuelas recipe book to your plate! Specialities include fresh baked Cuban Bread, Mojo Roasted Pork and slow cooked Ropa Vieja! All marinades and sauces are made from scratch:) **NEW** Table service now available! Try our new dinner menu (Wednesday - Saturday, 5p-8p.) Come visit our newly built full service Bar. Open till 2am Wednesday - Saturday

Reviewed By Diane L - Vermillion, South Dakota, United States

We consulted TripAdvisor to find an interesting spot for a late lunch and landed at The Lost Cuban. We shared a Cuban sandwich and sides of yuca and sweet plantains. It was all good, but the standout was the plantains, especially when paired with the homemade Dulce de Fuego sauce, as recommended by our waitress, Chloe - who also answered our questions about yuca by bringing out a raw, unpeeled yuca root and later showing us a section of boiled root the cook was working on. Excellent food and service in a casual setting. This restaurant should not remain lost.

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